Public Image Limited

The chuckle-headed yammering that takes the place of discourse on local Cincinnati blogs rarely amounts to anything in terms of real political action. But lately there has been a stir about an issue that has some merit.

Our City Council provides for ‘public comment’. At 1:30 PM on Wednesdays members of the general citizenry can stand up and express their opinions, grievances, or once-in-a-blue-moon praise for the people who are ostensibly their representatives. Ask yourself if a less convenient time could possibly be identified for most average working people.

The rap against ‘public comment’ seems to be that the type of folks who usually step in front of the mike wear funny hats and capes, invent fictional names for themselves and ask for help dealing with the whisperings of their government brain implants. And having witnessed City Council meetings on cable access – which seemed to be filmed on A/V equipment borrowed from the local junior high – I can understand why the representatives might be a little embarrassed by the proceedings. (I expect it’s the source of much teasing when the representatives have dinner with their pals at the restaurants out in Kenwood or Mason.)

But if ‘public comment’ is going to be offered at all, why not offer it at a time when more 9 to 5 people can thin the herd of loons? It makes sense to me. Paul McGhee has a plan. And bloggers Save Our City and ‘The Dean’ have been punting this around. I think it's worth supporting.